MORE than 70 cars were stopped during a police sting in Northwood to target dodgy drivers and improve road safety.

The Northwood Hills Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT), together with police from neighbouring wards, conducted an operation using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology.

The investigation, which took place in Watford Road, at the junction with Frithwood Avenue, saw 74 drivers stopped.

Five cars were seized for having no insurance, resulting in each driver receiving six penalty points on their licence and a £200 fine.

A trailer with bald tyres was also taken off the road, with the load transferred to another vehicle.

One person was given a warning for possession of cannabis, which was seized.

The operation, which took place on March 11, also involved Hertfordshire Police, specialist traffic police and Customs and Excise – which dipped the tanks of 45 vehicles to determine the fuel being used.

Officers from Hillingdon Council also made checks on waste disposal vehicle licences.

Sergeant David Wright, of Northwood Hills SNT, said: "Our efforts on this day enabled us to detect those without insurance and other vehicle crime.

"Hopefully our presence also sent out a message to other drivers who may have wrong intentions.

"This operation enabled excellent partnership working with other bodies to tackle those who fall foul of the law. The results will go some way in improving road safety in our area."

Anyone with information about uninsured drivers is asked to call their local SNT on 0300 123 212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

What do you think? Email Gazette reporter Siba Matti at sibamatti@trinitysouth.co.uk